Amazon Trade-In FAQ 5.0

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handsomepete

handsomepete

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Welcome to the Official CAG Amazon.com Trade-In Thread

THIS IS NOT A FLIPPING THREAD. USEFUL CREDIT TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES WELCOME, BUT KEEP THE PROFIT MARGIN TALK / SNEAKY OR LYING SHENANIGANS OUT

Hey trade-in pals! SENDING THINGS IN DISC / CARTRIDGE ONLY / GENERIC CASE NO MANUAL / ANYTHING BUT COMPLETE COULD RESULT IN REJECTION. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS. YOU MIGHT GET ACCEPTED, YOU MIGHT NOT. NO ONE KNOWS. IF YOU CUT OUT A UPC OR DO ANYTHING TO TRICK THE FINE(?) FOLKS AT AFS EXPECT IT TO BE OPENED AND REJECTED. THERE ARE NO HARD AND FAST RULES. IF IT IS ACCEPTED, IT WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY ONLY BE CONSIDERED "ACCEPTABLE." RISK YOUR TIME AND EFFORT AT YOUR PERIL!

I'm getting an acceptance rate of about one per day; it makes me think some supervisor is standing around with a glass of absinthe next to a couple of dumptruck loads of games...while the one responsible for the glitch is made to scan each item and recite its TIV with tears in their eyes. - Indigo_Streetlight
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Amazon.com Trade-in Home Page

------- FAQ BELOW - LEAVE ME ALONE PLEASE -------
Useful links:

-- BlueLobstah

-- CheapAssGamer

THANKS TO DISILLUSION386 and GI60 FOR POSTING AND MAINTAINING THE PREVIOUS AMAZON TRADE-IN FAQ THREADS

This thread’s primary purpose is to discuss Amazon.com’s video game trade-in program. Conspiracy theories about AFS smashing games before sending them back / stealing children / sneezing and touching public door handles / etc welcome, but try to avoid going nutso. PLEASE READ THE TRADE-IN DEAL DETAILS AND FAQ BEFORE ASKING ANY QUESTIONS.
Trade-In Procedure

1. SELECT ITEMS: Search for items to trade in. Your trade-in items must meet the product eligibility criteria.
2. SHIP GAMES FREE: Print a shipping label and packing slip, package your games, and ship them
3. GET A GIFT CARD: An Amazon.com Gift Card will be deposited into your account upon receipt of games

Shipping Instructions

1. Print this entire page. (Packing slip and shipping label once you have submitted a trade)
2. Cut out the shipping label and the packing slip.
3. Make sure your items are in good working condition and include the case and cover art.
4. Securely pack the items in a box or envelope and include the packing slip in the package.
5. Attach the shipping label squarely onto the outside of the package and add your return address.
6. Take it to your nearest UPS Store and mail it by (one week from submission of trade)
7. Or you can ship to:
note to self: look up new address
Trade-In Product Eligibility

Trade-in items must match the exact version displayed in the Amazon Trade-In Store, not be damaged, include original packaging (e.g. the manual, cover art, and case), and be postmarked no later than 7 days after submission. You will receive an e-mail confirmation and an Amazon.com Gift Card will be deposited into your account within 2 business days of item receipt and verification by the merchant. Items not accepted by the merchant will be returned to you approximately 14 days after receipt.
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GENERAL FAQ (Updated 12/26/2012)
Can I post a question on this thread?
Only if you can't find the answer from below. And please let me know if it needs to be added to FAQ.

Can I edit this FAQ? (updated 6/7/11)
You bet!

Since when did Amazon start doing trades?
The program began in 2009 and is handled by a third party merchant, previously known as NorAm International. Now known as AFS (Amazon Fulfillment Services).

What kind of shipping does Amazon provide us?
Free UPS ground ---- USPS is no longer available for free. There is now also an option to provide your own shipping.

Do I have to provide my own box or envelope?
Yes.

Do all my games in the same trade-in submission have to be shipped in the same box? (updated 3/9/11)
Not necessarily - people have sent in multiple boxes for the same trade-in submission successfully. It's even possible to send half at one time and the other half at the end of the valid shipping period. However, it's probably best to always ship everything at once.

Can I put separate trades in to a single box? (updated 6/7/11)
Sure, and they'll likely be accepted just fine. However, it isn't recommended since you would only have proof that you sent one of the trades (whichever mailing label you used). So it can be pretty risky.

Can I send in sealed games?
Yes. They won't reject games that still have the original shrink wrap.

Can I add Delivery Confirmation and Insurance to my shipment?
UPS Ground already provides you with tracking information, and I imagine you could get some sort of insurance added at a UPS store or location if you were so inclined.

I don't trust UPS ground. Can I pay for postage myself? What's the address?
Yes. You're more than welcome to do so. Just use the address on the amazon provided shipping label and make sure to get some sort of tracking.

When do I have to send my games once I have submitted my trade order?
You have 1 week (7 days) to send your games. There have been reports of submitting trades up to 15 - 20 days late, but that is definitely ymmv and not in the written rules. Send on time for the best chance at success!

Crap, I have one day to go before my shipment deadline, but the website states that my deadline has already passed. How do I print out a shipping label and packing slip? (Updated 9/9/13)
Load up any existing order (if you don't have any, check your browser's history or just submit a new one to use the link), and substitute the transaction ID for the trade-in order you need at the end of the URL.

Some step by step directions:
1. Go to your trade-in page on Amazon and find the Trade-In ID of the transaction:

Trade-In Placed:

August 24, 2013

  • Total Amount Submitted: $35.00
  • Amount Paid: $0.00
2. Copy the entire Trade-In ID (i.e. TRN-1234567-1234567) to your clipboard by highlighting it and hitting Ctrl+C or right click -> copy with your mouse

3. Paste the Trade-In ID to the end of this link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/tradein/multicondition-your-account/print-label/ref=trdrt_ya_yaprnt?ie=UTF8&orderID=

So it should look like this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/tradein/multicondition-your-account/print-label/ref=trdrt_ya_yaprnt?ie=UTF8&orderID=TRN-1234567-1234567

The Print Shipping Label screen for that trade should now come up.

How long does the whole trade-in process usually take?
From the time you send in your games, it may take up to 14 business days for the package to arrive. Most people usually receive their credit (Amazon GiftCard) in 3 to 5 business days, however.

How long does the "processing" status usually take? (Updated 10/11/12)
Usually a day or two with little delay at all. It may take multiple days or even weeks if it's an usual item/hardware.

My games were received on Friday (based on Delivery Confirmation), will I have to wait until Monday to receive credit?
People have received credit on a Saturday.

I do not have the manual, cover art, or original case for a game I want to trade in. Will they accept it? (updated 6/9/11)
While the details specifically state that original packaging is necessary, people have reported in the past that their trades were accepted despite missing some of these. This is extremely YMMV, however since some were also rejected by missing manual or cover art. On the other hand, older gen games; such as SNES, N64, and GB cartridges, normally get accepted without the original box and manual, but still YMMV.

It should be noted that with the new condition requirements (see later in the FAQ), you may be able to send an item in missing some or all of the required items (manual / cover art / case) and still have it accepted in "Acceptable" condition.

I do not have the manual, accessories, original box, original included game, etc for a console or accessory I want to trade in. Will they accept it? (updated 3/9/11)
The current wisdom is "probably not" - it's pretty YMMV but AFS seems stricter than they should be on this. Your chances seem to be better for them accepting a console or accessory without the box / manual / etc if it's older generation or rare. You're more than welcome to give it a shot though if you're feeling lucky - just pack it well and include as much as you can! Don't expect greater than 'acceptable' condition though.

My game is really beat up, what are the chances they’ll accept it?
This is YMMV. Some people have reported in the past that they sent in games in bad shape that were still accepted. Your best bet is still to trade in games in mint condition. Minor scratches are expected as these are used games.

My game came with DLC codes and I used them. Will my game be accepted? (Updated 12/28/11)
It is expected that included DLC codes have already been redeemed, so you should be fine. It is a kindness however if you have no use for it to not redeem it and let the next lucky soul who buys it from awd or wherever have a crack at it. Up to you!

My cover art (PLATINUM HITS) differs from the pic on amazon, will my trade be accepted?
It all depends on the UPC so just turn your game around, type in the UPC into the amazon search box. If the game comes up, then it's accepted regardless of cover art. Click on that result to submit your trade.

I have a game from a limited edition bundle, will they accept it?
If the game’s cover art has a UPC barcode, they will most likely accept it. If your game's cover states "Not for Resale" and does not have a UPC barcode, the game will most likely get rejected. Some people have had their games accepted in the past, but this is very YMMV.

The UPC barcode is not intact on my game's cover art, will that be accepted? (updated 3/9/11)
This is YMMV, but probably not. The UPC is all powerful within the walls of AFS..

I sent in my games, all of which were in pristine condition with the original packaging, but they said that one game is damaged and is now being returned.
Always pack your games well. Put a lot of newspaper around your games in the box to secure them and to prevent any damages from haphazard box cutting. People in the past have requested their entire trade-in order if it’s obvious the damage wasn’t their fault, and Amazon ended up accepting the rejected game. This is YMMV as well.

Can I trade in multiple copies of the same game?
Yes. Once you click “Trade in” for a particular game, you may change the quantities. Once you submit, you can no longer change quantities on that trade-in batch.

How many multiple copies of the same game can I trade-in (updated 1/11/11)?
Maximum of 2 copies within 3 a month period.

I locked in X copies of a game but I now only have Y available to send. Can I just send in Y without being penalized? (updated 3/9/11)
Yes, you can always just send in a portion of your trade-in order and they'll just credit you for whatever they receive. However, the quantities you submitted for will stay locked in that instance (I think) so if you, for example, submitted for 2 copies and only sent 1, you may not be able to trade any more copies of that game for 3 months (see previous question).

Will the Trade-in of the Day TIV stay for 24 hours?
It's been reported that there is a limit (maximum # of copies) that will get the promoted TIV so lock yours.

So if I find a good flip, I can just send 2 copies of that game and not worry about Amazon accusing me of stolen merchandise?
Technically yes, but do keep in mind that other CAGs might want to participate in the current deal, and trading in a large number of the same game will definitely lower the TIV of said game. Let’s be nice to other people. This is probably moot for most folks now with the per account / address trade-in limit.

Wow, these TIVs suck (updated 3/9/11)!
Really? Hrm. While that may be true, they're often better than other comparable places. Your options of what to do with your used games are greater now than they've ever been, so feel free to shop your trades around or just sell them off on glyde/ebay/whatever. Also, not a question.

What the fuck? The TIV of a game I just bought for this deal tanked! What do I do?
The TIVs on Amazon fluctuate depending on the number of trades that are submitted, and we really can’t do anything about it. The best course of action for trading in games is to lock in your trade if you already have the games or are absolutely sure that you can obtain them. You can always cancel the trade submission if you end up not finding the games.
LOCK = SUBMIT YOUR TRADE, Don't just put it in the cart.

Can I edit a submitted trade?
Nope - once upon a time you could modify trade in quantities of submitted trades, but that ability has been removed.

Can I use my credit on items that are not video game-related?
Yes. This is the other perk for trading in games at Amazon since you're not limited to just video games.

Can I use my credit on items sold by third-party merchants on Amazon?
According to the fine print of the Amazon gift card use, some merchants are excluded. Your best bet is to try it on the checkout page of your order.

Strategy guides? I can trade in game/strategy guides? Whaaaaa?
Go to the Textbook Buyback section (http://www.amazon.com/Textbooks-Trad...ode=2205237011[/URL]). You can either search on the title of a strategy guide you have to see if they'll accept it, or search for guides. The two best search strings to start with are 'prima guides' and 'bradygames'. Might try 'doublejump' if you want to trade in some of those. (Thanks eugaet)

I locked in some hilariously overvalued trade for some weird rare game/accessory/etc that I can pick up for cheap cheap cheap. They didn't accept it. What should I do? (updated 3/9/11)
The truth is that AFS can reject things for any reason they see fit. While some people have managed to get silly things like a $200 credit for some cheerleading game (or for a PS2 - just ask io!), it's sooooooo YMMV that often it's not worth the effort. EXPECT REJECTION ON THINGS THAT ARE CLEARLY MISVALUED. That said, as long as you're willing to risk it, go for it!

What's all this item condition nonsense? And how can I get screwed over by it? (updated 6/9/11)
We're still kinda sussing out the details surrounding the new item condition portion of Amazon Trade-Ins, but it looks like there's a couple things to consider:
Good Condition eligibility (games):
- The video game, original manufacturer packaging and all original elements are included, but shows wear from normal use
- Game still plays perfectly
- Disc may have light scratches and other elements may have minor damage
- Item may have been personalized (marked or identified)

Acceptable eligibility (games):
- Game still plays perfectly
- Item may have been personalized (marked or identified)
- Item may be missing or have irreparable damage to one or all of the following: case, manual, artwork, bundled accessories, UPC

Note that a game will almost certainly not be accepted if it meets any of these conditions:
- Game does not play perfectly
- Disc is cracked
- Marked Not for Resale (or is otherwise marked not for sale)

Consoles/accessories have some slightly different criteria, but the idea is the same.

Did it seriously just ask me if I wanted my game / other item returned if they refuse to give me credit for it? (updated 6/9/11)
Yes, that just happened.

Unless you're purposefully sending them things you deem to be trash, please remember to choose the option that has them return your item to you during the checkout phase.

Who is AFS? (updated 9/14/13)
Amazon Fulfillment Services (previously known as NorAm). Dunno if they changed names, were bought up by Amazon, or what. Not too interested anyhow.

Why does my package jump back and forth between states? (updated 9/14/13)
Look at a map of the involved cities and it'll make sense. Something to do with UPS hubs and proximity to the state border/cities.

Post away!

 
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DealSeeker2U said:
Just an update that I was finally able to place an order using a gift card after exhausting B and C options. Option A worked. Sucks though that I loose out on my GCU discount but at least I got to buy online again. I have got to look into this and figure out wth is going on. When you ordered did you use the normal sign in and checkout or did you checkout as guest and was it using a gift card?
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I'm just curious, aren't you able to enter a reward zone number when you check out as a guest? Also you CAN call and do it with a phone rep, but just tell them to make sure to give you the 10% GCU discount if it doesn't automatically. Might take them a few minutes to talk with a supervisor, or for you to explain what GCU is. But you will be able to use a giftcard should you call in, and get the right prices (It just takes FOREVER x.x). Another thing, post on the forums about it or call in tomorrow and talk with a CS rep, and they might be able to do something about it. It wasn't working for me as close as last week, but today they went through.

 
Hemi said:
I'm just curious, aren't you able to enter a reward zone number when you check out as a guest? Also you CAN call and do it with a phone rep, but just tell them to make sure to give you the 10% GCU discount if it doesn't automatically. Might take them a few minutes to talk with a supervisor, or for you to explain what GCU is. But you will be able to use a giftcard should you call in, and get the right prices (It just takes FOREVER x.x). Another thing, post on the forums about it or call in tomorrow and talk with a CS rep, and they might be able to do something about it. It wasn't working for me as close as last week, but today they went through.
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I placed an order and it worked as guest checkout and it took my reward zone number but did not give me the 10% discount. Acting really weird. Thanks for the help.

 
Burnout Revenge got a decent boost to $9.xx this morning.. I'm assuming I should be ok even though my copy isnt plat hits?

 
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Wow I finally found a game that I've owned for quite some time now. Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2. I love Gundam and I love hacking and slashing but the chances of me ever playing it again is very slim seeing as how I haven't played it in 2 years. $25.65 is $25.65 I suppose. Just more money off my Xbox One!

 
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My Code Lyoko and Stoked/Facebreaker combo were graded as good. Code Lyoko I didn't cut the UPC out on and Stoked/Facebreaker was complete I just cut the UPC out.

 
So, my copy of naruto that I got at GS came with case but no manual and raiden fighter aces just came in a generic case. At the acceptable value both copies would still make me a small profit if accepted. Worth sending them in as acceptable or should I just return them to GS? It will take more than 7 days for me to have it processed by Amazon so I'd rather know now.
 
GamerDude316 said:
So, my copy of naruto that I got at GS came with case but no manual and raiden fighter aces just came in a generic case. At the acceptable value both copies would still make me a small profit if accepted. Worth sending them in as acceptable or should I just return them to GS? It will take more than 7 days for me to have it processed by Amazon so I'd rather know now.
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send them as 'good' and 'do not return item'. I've had a couple graded as 'good' when I sent them with the case + cover, but no manual.

 
Oh crap, I dug out my Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2 just to find out that I got it from Hollywood Video so it's in a black DVD case, no manual, and the front cover is normal, but the back cover is the stupid Hollywood Video one. Any tips on what to do?

 
GamerDude316 said:
So that might work for naruto, but what about raiden? Raiden just came in a generic GS case so I feel like thats a bigger risk.
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If you can find another copy of Raiden at another GS, check to see if it's more complete and if so, exchange it with your disc-only copy. Otherwise, you can still just lock it in as Good with "Do Not Return", just in case you get your trade-in graded by someone having a really good day who classifies your disc-only copy as Good despite it lacking an original case and manual. The worst that could happen is that it'll be graded as Acceptable, and that value is still good enough to warrant the trade-in IMO.

 
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Vigilante said:
If you can find another copy of Raiden at another GS, check to see if it's more complete and if so, exchange it with your disc-only copy. Otherwise, you can still just lock it in as Good with "Do Not Return", just in case you get your trade-in graded by someone having a really good day who classifies your disc-only copy as Good despite it lacking an original case and manual. The worst that could happen is that it'll be graded as Acceptable, and that value is still good enough to warrant the trade-in IMO.
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Yeah, I just locked in both naruto and raiden as good with "do not return". I might be near another GS over the weekend so I can look for a complete copy then but otherwise I'll just send it in and hope for acceptable.

 
Can anyone give me advice on my Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2 situation? A few posts back. The disc is in MINT condition. I can swap out the generic DVD case for a 360 one but I still won't have the normal cover and no manual...
 
Dragunz said:
Can anyone give me advice on my Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2 situation? A few posts back. The disc is in MINT condition. I can swap out the generic DVD case for a 360 one but I still won't have the normal cover and no manual...
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Its going to get graded acceptable either way you do it, since you dont have the full cover/manual

 
So disc only is still accepted as "acceptable"?

Also lets say I submit a trade of four games and one gets rejected. Will they just send the one back and credit the others to me? Dont want an entire order being returned over one game.

 
I bought Armored Core: For Answer today at GS only to find out that the TIV has dropped to a measly $13. Didn't lock it in when I had the chance. 

 
mask.air.raid said:
Each item is graded on its own. They'll keep the ones they accept and they'll return the rejected ones.
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Thanks was able to get Dynasty Warriors 6 and Gundam 2 along with the Godfather Dons Edition (all mint except for the godfather) with my B2G1 coupon for $36. Also picked up Raiden Fighters Aces while I was there.

 
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Zolor23 said:
I bought Armored Core: For Answer today at GS only to find out that the TIV has dropped to a measly $13. Didn't lock it in when I had the chance.
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Lock in before you even go to the store, you don't get penalized if you choose not to send an item, so there is no downside.

 
you guys get those older games from GS in decent condition? sometimes I get lucky i find them in stock at my local GS but when i go pick them up they look like they got ran over by a semi several times. the newer ones are ok but some of the older xbox ones are just horrible. 

 
I've actually been surprised that nearly every older game I've gotten recently has been in decent shape.  Some are missing cover art or manual but the discs are usually decent (and I'm talking 360 games that can easily get scratched up).

 
One thing to consider is that if you're taking advantage of the B2G1 pre-owned sale, if 2 of the games come back complete, and the other one is shit, then you can return that to Best Buy and you get 1/3 of what you paid back.

 
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